The Urgency of the Race
Day 3, Week 1 | Divest
Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
We live in a world that constantly tells us to slow down, take it easy, and prioritize our comfort. But the life of faith isn’t about coasting or settling into routines that feel safe. It’s a race. And not just any race—it’s a marathon that demands our all in order to reach the finish line. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” You are not a spectator in the race. You are a runner. This race isn’t about drifting from one comfortable season to the next. It’s about living with urgency, knowing that the stakes are high and the goal is eternal.
We often lack a sense of urgency. We settle into a life where spiritual growth becomes optional, something we’ll get to when the timing feels right. We become so wrapped up in our daily routines, comforts, and ambitions that the urgency of God’s call gets drowned out. The writer of Hebrews is giving us a wake-up call—this race is not just for tomorrow. We’re in it today. Each new day is a new opportunity to run with urgency and purpose.
In Philippians 3, Paul speaks about pressing on, forgetting what lies behind, and straining toward what lies ahead. His words aren’t about casual effort. They are about a single-minded focus that propels him forward. This isn’t just the story of Paul, though. It’s the life you and I are called to live. You are not running aimlessly. Your steps are leading you toward something far greater than this world can offer. But that requires something of you—sacrifice, effort, and the willingness to let go of anything that distracts you from the race.
Here’s what we need to understand: it’s not enough to simply run. We must run with endurance. Endurance isn’t found in our own strength. It’s found in the grace of God. It’s recognizing that, left to yourself, you’ll settle for comfort every time. But God’s grace propels you beyond what you think you can do. His strength empowers you to press on when life is hard, when you feel weary, and when quitting seems easier.
The race of faith is not about perfect performance. It’s about dependence—dependence on the One who has already run before you and now runs with you. God’s grace doesn’t just call you to the race. It equips you to run the race. It invites you to leave behind complacency and chase after the prize that is Christ Himself. Today is another chance to run light, to run free, and to fix your eyes on the One who has already secured the victory.
REFLECT: Are you running the race of faith with urgency and focus? What areas of your life need to be reoriented to align with the call to run with endurance?
PRAY: Father, help me see the urgency of the race You have set before me. Give me the strength and discipline to run with endurance, keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus.
ACT: Take time today to evaluate your schedule, habits, and priorities. Identify one area where you can make a change to run with greater purpose and focus. Consider committing more time to prayer, reading the Word, or engaging in fellowship with others who encourage you in your faith journey.
